The Koreans have now equalled the three titles won by Pakistan in the series. South Korea’s two other triumphs were in 1994 and 1999 while Pakistan had won it in 1982, 1985 and 1989.
In yesterday’s final, both teams had chances to settle the issue early but it was the Koreans, who played a fast game in the second-half, who finally prevailed when they scored the only goal of the match off their third penalty corner of the match.
Kim Byung-hoon’s 66th minute strike – a trademark drag flick – took his goal tally to six, making him the top scorer of the tournament.
The match was a see-saw battle, with both sides attacking at every opportunity.
Pakistan even had the ball in the net early in the second-half but Rehan Butt’s effort was ruled out for an infringement.
Pakistan goalkeeper Salman Akhbar also played a grand game to keep the Koreans at bay in the early stages.
The first-half saw both team getting three penalty corners each but all to no avail.
You Hyo-sik and Hong Eun-seung capped a fine night for the Koreans when they won the best player of the tournament and man-of-the-match awards respectively.
Malaysia’s S. Kumar (pic) was voted the best goalkeeper.
Korean coach Cho Myung-jun described the win as “the dawn of a new era for Korean hockey”.
“We will look at this win as the start of better things to come. It was not an easy final although we were confident of our chances,” he said.
“Pakistan played one of their best matches and could have scored early.
“But our plan to have a go at them in the second-half proved crucial.”
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